SOPHIE LEFEBVRE

The Optimization Mindset:

Unlocking Potential at Every Turn

Ever since childhood, I have been captivated by how things work. Factory tours fueled a fascination with creation, and new apps became playgrounds for exploration. This curiosity translated into a career where I've developed hundreds of products that have collectively generated over $200 million in incremental revenue.

Yet, my passion goes beyond just building. I've transformed a simple napkin sketch into a creator platform, constantly seeking ways to bridge the gap between technology and the people it serves.

My secret ?

An eye for both the big picture and the intricate details.

By delving deeply into the business, the product, its users, and underlying processes, I pinpoint inefficiencies, streamline departmental operations, and ultimately drive growth.

The reality is, every business and product has untapped potential.

I'm here to guide you in unlocking it.

Resume

Behind the Resume
Unveiling the Passion for User-Centric Solutions

My professional journey may seem like a winding path, but each twist and turn has ignited my dedication to user-centric solutions, bridging the gap between technology and the people it serves.

While my resume and LinkedIn profile provide the "when" and "what", here is where I uncover the "why".

Pre 2007: From Military Moves to Professional Growth

The whirlwind of relocations – often dauting for some - became a catalyst for growth and opportunity. Remote work wasn't an option, so each move became a chance for professional reinvention.

In Washington D.C., I thrived as a Manager of Economic Affairs within trade associations. Arizona introduced me to the world of legal case discovery at a military base's JAG Office. Southern California transitioned me from program management at Fujitsu to market research for a division of First American Corporation. Across the pond, in the UK, I started as a customer service rep and quickly led product development for two pan-European paint brands.

Each location offered a new adventure and an opportunity to evolve. These experiences instilled adaptability, resourcefulness, and rapid learning. More importantly, they ignited a hunger for exploration beyond geography, driving me to seek out new knowledge and experiences. It was during that time that my passion for optimization and efficiency truly began to take root.

Bonus: To this day, I can pack up and relocate in just a few weeks – I've become a unintentional relocation expert!

2007 to 2014 - The Power of Customer Centricity

In 2007, a Miami relocation and a seemingly temporary role as the twelfth employee in the newly created international division of Jarden Consumer Solutions kickstarted a transformative seven-year journey in product management and marketing.

Our once US-centric product line was about to take a global leap, launching on five continents with manuals in a dozen languages within a year. Wearing many hats, I dove into the Oster Professional manufacturing plant in Tennessee from day one—a baptism by fire.

Crafting product roadmaps and driving strategies was thrilling, but building an international product team was the most formative experience and extremely rewarding. We even revamped the stage-gate process to adapt to the fast-paced international expansion.

The most impactful moments came from launching products that empowered professionals. Witnessing our tools enabling groomers and barbers to earn a living was deeply fulfilling. This experience emphasized the importance of understanding the end user and involving stakeholders in the product development process. Presenting product plans to the factory and walking the production line were my constant highlights.

2014 to 2015 - From Minecraft to Launching a Platform

Entering the world of product development feels like stepping onto a dynamic playground—endless possibilities and diverse challenges keep me energized. Joining Jazwares, a high-growth children's toy company in 2014, was a natural fit. Leading a team of 20 product managers and designers was invigorating. My passion for efficiency led me to spearhead the integration of 3D printing into our development process, slashing the cycle time by 6 months—an achievement blending creativity with speed.

Collaborating with licensed brands provided constant inspiration. Developing small figures and plush toys for Minecraft was a highlight, culminating in a month-long immersion in a Chinese factory, offering invaluable insights into toy manufacturing.

Unexpectedly, fate took a turn during my time in China. A CEO's casual napkin sketch sparked a new journey—JazWings, an online creator platform. In just ten months, from concept to launch at New York Comic Con, we amassed 500 subscribers, marking a remarkable success story.

Reflecting on this whirlwind, it's astounding how much ground I've covered. A year prior, agile and scrum were uncharted waters. Yet, this project became my crash course in the consumer tech world, where I embraced every challenge.

2015 to 2019 - Pivoting into Tech

In 2015, I embarked on a thrilling tech adventure. As an independent consultant, I dived into a vibrant tech ecosystem, servicing clients across diverse industries, all driven by a common goal—innovative consumer tech products.

Wearing multiple hats as a growth consultant, I managed a portfolio of 14 accounts, spanning from startups to SMBs. I spearheaded the development of SaaS solutions, cutting-edge mobile apps, and smart products.

Driven by entrepreneurial spirit, I co-founded an acceleration program, bridging Miami startups with Silicon Valley's ecosystem. This initiative fueled growth, provided to resources, and immersed me in the startup ethos.

This journey sparked skill adaptation, transitioning seamlessly from tangible consumer products to intangible tech solutions. Terms like "stage-gate" gave way to "agile," and lengthy cycles shifted to iterative sprints. My expertise expanded across product development, management, marketing, and business development.

This experience wasn't just a career chapter—it was a pivotal stepping stone, affirming a fundamental principle: product sucess hinges on a profound understanding of the customer.

2019-2020 - Innovation, Automation, and Manufactured Tech

Forget the desk. This wasn't a traditional job; it was a globe-trotting adventure. My journey as Head of Marketing & Strategic Planning and Product Management Lead at Cosmo took me from the tech hub of San Francisco to the vibrant streets of Hong Kong and the heart of Chinese manufacturing, Dongguan.

In this role, I delved deep into the tech manufacturing ecosystem, gaining fluency from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to Electronics Contract Manufacturers (ECMs). This immersion provided invaluable insights into the inner workings of multinational tech companies, witnessing firsthand the birth of innovative products amidst the intricate dance of automation solutions.

Crafting compelling internal and external marketing communications, I ensured our message resonated with both our team and the broader tech community. However, my impact extended beyond marketing. I unified global vision, modernized KPI tools, forged strategic partnerships, and led internal product development efforts.

2020 to 2021 - A Year of Reset and Renewal

2020 brought unexpected change – a global curveball for everyone. The economic landscape shifted, and like many others, I faced unexpected unemployment. Rather than letting it define me, I saw it as an opportunity for personal and professional growth.

Product management has always been my passion, particularly when it comes to improving processes and efficiency. This unexpected pause allowed me to reassess my priorities and refocus my energy.

Volunteering became my mission. Helping those in need instilled a sense of purpose and allowed me to connect with my community in a meaningful way. Simultaneously, I dove headfirst into learning, attending webinars, enrolling in online courses, and expanding my professional network.

This period of introspection solidified a fundamental truth: making a meaningful difference in people's lives is what truly drives me.

2021 to 2022 - Fueling Innovation

Have you ever wanted to be at the forefront of product creation? That's precisely where I found myself when I joined the Employbridge Innovation Team as an Emerging Product and Service Lead. Eagerly embracing the exhilarating 'zero to one' phase, I delved into transforming raw ideas into products poised to revolutionize the recruiting landscape.

My passion lies in immersing myself in the early stages of product development, where It is all about digging deep into pain points through insightful interviews and crafting prototypes that spark further exploration. The mission is to understand the users and their needs.

However, it did not end there. We went beyond identifying the needs, meticulously mapping the entire user journey to lay the foundation for a truly impactful product vision. It is about more than just functionality; it's about empowering users through product creation!

2022 to 2024 - The unexpected blend I craved

Enterprise Business Architecture (EBA) was not on my 2022 roadmap, and adding the UX/UIE layer in 2023 was even more unexpected. Yet, I have always thrived in diverse roles, taking on various responsibilities across consulting, product development, project management, marketing, and even a dash of innovation. This unexpected blend of EBA and user experience (UXR/UXD/UIE) was magical, bringing together all of my skill sets in a way I never imagined.

As Senior Director of EBX at EmployBridge, I led four fantastic teams on a crucial mission: becoming the internal consulting arm for our ambitious digital transformation. EBX seamlessly integrated EBA methodologies with UX practices, including process flow charts, data maps, and in-depth user experience analysis. UX Research identified users and their pain points, UX Design customized the enterprise user experience, and UIE (User Interface Engineering) focused on implementation. The goal? To gain a crystal-clear picture of how things work (and where they might not) for all users – clients, candidates, and internal colleagues alike.

EBX went beyond the technical aspects; it was the bridge between technology and the people it serves. We translated and contextualized client-stakeholder needs into actionable language that informed major technology projects and commercial models. Ensuring these projects delivered real value for everyone involved was paramount. Through EBX impact analysis, we identified process inefficiencies, championed automation, and delivered impactful recommendations. Optimizing processes had a tangible impact on the user experience at every level!